Summer is right around the corner and with the warmer months come the promise of sun, fun and parties. Hosting a Memorial Day Party is the perfect way to kick off your summer adventures, and here are three tips on how to make sure your gathering is accessible and fun for all!

Choose Your Location

To ensure all of your guests are able to easily maneuver around your party and its surroundings, make certain there are ramps, lifts or unobstructed entryways available for guests in wheelchairs. Another thing to consider is parking. If some of your guests will be arriving in wheelchair accessible vans, they might need a little bit of extra room to deploy a lift or ramp.

You can host an accessible Memorial Day party if your home or apartment is less than wheelchair-friendly. Local parks often rent out pavilions or picnic areas for gatherings, and these areas often boast open spaces and paved paths, making them a great bet for guests in wheelchairs.

Perfect Your Spread

From grilling up veggies and even fresh fruits, to stocking up on refreshing drinks to beat the summer heat, making sure you’re serving up tasty treats is perhaps the most important part of throwing a great, memorable party. When planning your party’s spread, always take into consideration any possible allergies or food restrictions your guests might have. If you’re sending out invites, it might be a good idea to ask guests of any food requirements right on the invitation, so you’ll be armed with the right information when it comes time to shop and prep.

Don’t Forget the Entertainment

Every good party needs some entertainment. That doesn’t mean you have to go out and hire a full band though—making your own fun is easy! Let the kids put on a show of their own creation or set out the board games for some old school fun. Create a dance floor on your deck or living room with plenty of room to show off your moves and wheelchair dancing tricks. You could even break out the karaoke machine and make some hilarious and potentially embarrassing memories.

Do you have any other tips or tricks on how to host an accessible party? Be sure to let us know on NMEDA Facebook and NMEDA Twitter—we want to hear your ideas!

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.